Trelleborg advances auto parts production plans in Japan

Stuttgart, Germany – Trelleborg Industrial Solutions (TIS) is set to start the production of automotive steering and transmission boots in Japan next year.

The manufacturing facility in Odawara, southwest of Tokyo, will give TIS access to Japanese OEMs around the world, Trelleborg said in 5 Dec analyst day presentation in Stuttgart.

Production at the new facility is expected to start in the first half of 2023, delayed from the original launch date of early 2022 announced in October 2021.

The investment in Japan is part of a wider group €30-million expansion projects announced in 2021, with the plan to increase Trelleborg's presence in new regions.

Automotive boots comprise a dynamic sealing system, typically manufactured from thermoplastic elastomer material, which seal vehicle drive shafts and prevent ingress of contaminants.

Trelleborg, which has so far operated sales offices for sealing and marine solutions in Japan, noted a “highly favourable sales trend for its automotive boots’ operations over a long period [in the country].”

In addition to the Japanese launch, TIS said that it was further pursuing growth in Asia with the expansion of its production facility in Wuxi, China.

The project, it said, will add production capacity for rail and off-highway suspension components at the site by 50%.

Set for completion by second half of 2023, the project will also enable cable entry solutions for telecoms and data application, TIS added.